Will it hurt?
Most adjustments aren’t painful, and many patients feel relief right away. Mild soreness afterward is possible, similar to starting a new stretch or workout, and usually settles within a day.
Chiropractic Care · Scarborough
Chiropractor in Scarborough for back, neck and joint pain
Reviewed by Maryam Ahankoob, Registered Physiotherapist and clinic lead. Updated October 2026.
Chronic back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, or recovering from an injury, our chiropractors treat the root cause with safe, evidence-based spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and functional exercise, not just short-term relief.
We serve patients from across Scarborough and east Toronto, including Victoria Village, Wexford, Bendale, Agincourt, L’Amoreaux, and Clairlea, with easy parking and flexible evening and Saturday appointments near Victoria Park & Ellesmere.
Drug-free, non-invasiveSpinal adjustments and joint mobilization, no medication or surgery.
- Licensed chiropractors
- No referral needed
- Direct billing, including WSIB & MVA
- Evening and Saturday appointments
The science, plainly
What’s actually happening during an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a quick, controlled force applied to a joint that has lost some of its normal movement. That sometimes produces an audible “pop”, but it isn’t your bones cracking. It’s called cavitation: the adjustment briefly changes pressure inside the joint capsule, and gas dissolved in the joint fluid releases as tiny bubbles, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles.
The pop itself doesn’t measure success. Some effective techniques, like slower joint mobilization, produce no sound at all: the actual goal is restoring movement to the joint, not the noise.
No sound doesn’t mean no result. If your adjustment is quiet, that’s not a sign it didn’t work: some of the most effective techniques are the gentlest.
Fees and pricing
Chiropractic prices in Scarborough
An initial chiropractic visit costs $115 and follow-up visits are $80. Your first visit includes a health history, a physical examination and safety screening, and an explanation of the findings so you understand your options before any treatment. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on treatment and tracking your progress. Chiropractic care is included in many extended health plans, and we can help you check your coverage before you book.
Start here
Initial chiropractic visit
$115
Assessment and care plan
- Health history and examination
- Safety screening
- Findings explained clearly
- Care plan agreed together
Ongoing care
Chiropractic follow-up
$80
Per visit
- Chiropractic treatment
- Progress tracked each visit
- Home advice and exercises
- Receipt for your insurer
Direct billingWe bill most extended health insurance plans directly where your plan allows it.
A receipt every visitYou get an official receipt after each appointment for your insurer or your tax return.
WSIB and car accident claimsApproved work injury and auto insurance claims are billed directly where applicable.
Coverage checkCall (416) 445-5353 and we will check your coverage with you before your first visit.
All prices in Canadian dollars. Your fee is confirmed when you book.
Before your first visit
Common questions patients don’t ask out loud
Once I start, do I have to keep going forever?
No. Your chiropractor recommends a plan based on your condition, but continuing into ongoing care is always your choice, never a requirement to keep treating you.
Is the popping sound dangerous?
No. It’s gas releasing from the joint fluid, not bone on bone. Plenty of effective adjustments happen with no sound at all.
Self-check
Signs chiropractic care could help you
You may benefit from a chiropractic assessment if you experience any of the following.
- Lower or mid-back pain that hasn’t improved on its own
- Neck stiffness or pain, including after whiplash
- Frequent headaches or migraines linked to neck tension
- Sciatica or nerve-related leg pain
- Shoulder, hip, or knee joint pain and stiffness
- Poor posture from desk work causing tension
- Pain or stiffness following a car accident
- A workplace injury with an open WSIB claim
If any of this sounds familiar, a chiropractic assessment is a reasonable next step.
Book an assessmentConditions we treat
Chiropractic care for the conditions Scarborough patients see us for most
Back & neck pain
Targeted spinal adjustments and mobilization to relieve pain from strain, disc issues, or posture.
Headaches & migraines
Many tension headaches trace back to neck and upper-spine restriction: adjustments can reduce frequency and severity.
Sciatica & nerve pain
Reducing pressure on the nerve root can ease radiating pain down the leg or arm.
Joint pain & stiffness
Shoulder, hip, and knee joint mobilization to restore range of motion and reduce discomfort.
Posture-related strain
Correcting alignment and building supportive strength for desk-work-related tension.
Pregnancy-related discomfort
Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments to ease back and pelvic strain as your body changes.
Whiplash, workplace injuries & sports-related spinal pain
We treat WSIB workplace injuries, motor vehicle accident (MVA) whiplash, and sports-related spinal pain, with direct billing where your claim applies.
Setting honest expectations
Corrective care vs. maintenance care
Chiropractic treatment plans usually happen in two phases, and it helps to know the difference upfront.
| Phase | What it looks like | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective care | More frequent visits while your body responds and symptoms actively improve. | Weeks to a few months, depending on your condition. |
| Maintenance care | Optional, spaced-out visits to keep the spine moving well and catch small issues early. | Ongoing, entirely by choice. |
Neither phase is mandatory beyond your comfort. Your chiropractor recommends a plan at every visit, but whether you continue into maintenance care is always your decision.
Your first visit
What to expect at your first chiropractic visit
Your visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals, followed by a thorough physical exam of your spine, posture, and movement patterns.
Your chiropractor explains what they find in plain language before any treatment begins. In many cases, your first adjustment can happen the same visit, always with your understanding and consent.
- No referral needed
- Full history & exam
- Findings explained first
- Treatment can start day one
Not sure which service fits?
Chiropractic vs. physiotherapy vs. massage therapy
| Focus | Best for | Typical approach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic care | Spine & joint alignment, nervous system function | Back/neck pain, headaches, joint stiffness | Hands-on adjustments & joint mobilization |
| Physiotherapy | Movement, strength & rehabilitation | Injury recovery, post-surgical rehab, sports injuries | Exercise therapy, manual therapy, education: see physiotherapy |
| Massage therapy | Soft tissue & circulation | Muscle tension, stress, recovery support | Hands-on soft-tissue work: see massage therapy |
Many patients combine two or three of these. Ask your chiropractor which mix fits your condition.
Why Physio Cottage
Why choose our Scarborough chiropractic clinic
Local & convenient
Easily accessible at Victoria Park & Ellesmere, with easy on-site parking.
Whole-body assessment
We assess spine alignment, posture, and lifestyle factors, not just the sore spot.
Drug-free & non-invasive
A natural alternative to medication or surgery, focused on function and movement.
Direct billing
Most extended health plans, plus WSIB and MVA claims, no need to pay out of pocket and file it yourself.
Hours that fit
Evening and Saturday appointments, with easy on-site parking.
Google
Patient reviews
Read what patients across Scarborough and east Toronto say on our Google profile.
Where our patients come from
Neighbourhoods we serve near Scarborough
Physio Cottage is located near Victoria Park & Ellesmere and welcomes patients from across Scarborough and east Toronto.
- Victoria Village
- Wexford
- Bendale
- Agincourt
- L’Amoreaux
- Clairlea
- O’Connor-Parkview
- Scarborough Village
- Golden Mile
- Maryvale
Techniques
What chiropractic treatment at Physio Cottage involves
Chiropractic care is more than the adjustment most people picture. Our chiropractor uses a mix of techniques chosen after the assessment and adjusted to your comfort, age and condition. If you would rather not have a particular technique, such as a neck adjustment, say so. There is always an alternative, and your preference is respected without question.
Spinal and joint adjustment
A quick, controlled movement applied to a stiff spinal segment or joint to restore motion. The pop you may hear is gas releasing in the joint fluid, not bone moving. Adjustments are applied only where the assessment shows restriction.
Gentle mobilization
Slow, repeated joint movement within a comfortable range, used for patients who prefer not to be adjusted, for seniors with osteoporosis concerns, during pregnancy and for irritated joints that need a lighter approach.
Instrument assisted adjusting
A small handheld instrument delivers a precise, low force impulse to a joint. Useful for the neck, for smaller joints such as the wrist and foot, and for anyone who is nervous about manual adjustment.
Soft tissue therapy
Release work on the muscles and fascia around a restricted joint, since a joint rarely stays mobile when the muscles around it are guarding. Often combined with registered massage therapy in the same clinic.
Rehabilitative exercise
Specific stretches and strengthening for the deep neck flexors, core and hips so the improvement from treatment holds between visits. This is what separates corrective care from endless maintenance.
Posture and ergonomic coaching
Practical changes to your desk, car seat, sleep position and lifting technique. For many patients in Scarborough with office jobs, this is the part of care that stops the problem returning.
Your care plan
What a chiropractic care plan looks like, phase by phase
After the first visit you receive a plan with a clear goal and a review point, not an open ended schedule. Most plans move through three phases, and you can stop at any of them.
Relief phase
Visits are closer together, often twice a week for the first two to three weeks, to settle pain and restore movement. You start a short home program from the first visit.
Corrective phase
Visits space out to weekly or every two weeks while the exercise program expands. The aim is strength and control, so the joint stays mobile without needing to be adjusted.
Review and discharge
When you have reached your goal we discharge you with a maintenance program. Some patients choose occasional check ups during heavy work or training periods; that is a choice, not a requirement.
If you are not improving after four to six visits, we say so and change course: a different technique, a referral to our physiotherapist, or a note to your doctor for imaging. Continuing care that is not working is not something we do.
Who we treat
Chiropractic care for the people who come to our Scarborough clinic
Office and remote workers
Neck stiffness, headaches by mid afternoon, a tight upper back and low back pain after long days at a desk or kitchen table. Treatment restores movement; the ergonomic changes keep it. Many patients from the Victoria Park and Ellesmere area book early morning or evening visits around work.
Trades and physically demanding jobs
Low back strain from lifting, shoulder and neck pain from overhead work, and the stiffness that comes from repetitive tasks. If the injury happened at work we treat it under WSIB and bill directly. WSIB injury care.
After a car accident
Whiplash, mid back pain and headaches after a collision respond well to early, gentle care that progresses as symptoms settle. Treatment is covered by your auto insurer; we complete the forms and bill them directly. Motor vehicle accident care.
Seniors
Stiff spines, arthritic hips and knees, and balance concerns. Techniques are adapted for bone density and comfort, with mobilization and exercise doing most of the work rather than forceful adjustment.
During and after pregnancy
Low back, pelvic and rib pain as posture changes. Positioning is adapted with supportive cushions, techniques are gentle, and care coordinates with our pelvic floor physiotherapy service after delivery.
Athletes and active adults
Runners, tennis players, cyclists and gym regulars with hip, knee, spine and shoulder restrictions that limit performance or keep causing the same strain. Chiropractic care for tennis players.
Safety
How we keep chiropractic care safe
Every new patient is screened before any treatment. The history and examination look for reasons to modify or avoid certain techniques: osteoporosis, recent fracture or surgery, inflammatory arthritis, blood thinning medication, vascular risk factors, pregnancy and certain neurological signs. Where something needs clarifying we ask for your doctor’s notes or imaging before proceeding, and we explain the reasoning so you are never left guessing.
Mild soreness for a day after an adjustment is common, similar to the feeling after a new workout. Anything sharper, any new numbness, dizziness or weakness is not expected and should be reported straight away so we can reassess.
Our chiropractor is registered with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, and we work within the scope that registration defines. We do not treat conditions outside it and we do not make claims that chiropractic care cures illness unrelated to the spine and joints.
See a doctor first if you have
- Back or neck pain after a significant fall or collision where a fracture has not been ruled out.
- New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or weakness in both legs.
- Sudden severe headache, slurred speech, facial drooping or vision changes.
- Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.
- Calf swelling with warmth and redness.
Once serious causes are excluded, we can usually begin care right away.
Chiropractors in Scarborough at Physio Cottage
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Scarborough, our chiropractic care sits in the same clinic as physiotherapy, registered massage therapy and acupuncture, so your back or neck plan can combine adjustments with exercise and soft tissue work when that suits you. An initial chiropractic visit is $115 and follow-up visits are $80, with direct billing to most extended health plans.
We are at 2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, near Victoria Park and Ellesmere, with on-site parking, weekday appointments until 8 p.m. and Saturday appointments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (416) 445-5353 or book online.
Between visits
What you do at home decides how long you need us
A chiropractic visit at Physio Cottage typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. What happens in the 160 hours until the next one matters more. That is why every patient leaves with a short program: usually two to four exercises that take under ten minutes, a change or two to the workstation or sleeping position, and a clear idea of what normal post treatment soreness feels like. Patients who do the program consistently are discharged sooner and come back less. If the program is not fitting into your day, tell us and we will shorten it. A short program you do beats a long one you skip.
More questions about chiropractic care in Scarborough
How long is a chiropractic appointment?
The first visit is 45 to 60 minutes and includes the history, examination, explanation and usually a first treatment. Follow up visits are 15 to 30 minutes depending on your plan.
Can I see the chiropractor and the physiotherapist for the same problem?
Yes, and for many spine problems that combination works well: the chiropractor restores joint movement while the physiotherapist builds the strength and control that keeps it. They share notes within the clinic.
Do adjustments need to be repeated forever?
No. Our care plans have an end point. Some patients choose occasional maintenance visits during stressful periods; that is optional and we will never pressure you into a package.
Is chiropractic care suitable for children and teenagers?
We assess teens with posture related pain, sports strains and growth related discomfort using gentle techniques. For younger children we refer to a practitioner with paediatric focus where appropriate.
What if I only want soft tissue work and no adjustments?
That is fine. Tell the chiropractor and your plan will use mobilization, soft tissue therapy and exercise instead.
Where is the clinic and is there parking?
We are at 2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, Scarborough, ON M1R 1V8, with on-site parking. The Victoria Park and Lawrence East buses stop nearby. Call (416) 445-5353 to book.
Condition guide
How chiropractic care is used for the two problems we see most
Neck pain and headaches
Headaches that start at the base of the skull and spread forward are often driven by stiff upper neck joints and tight suboccipital muscles. Gentle mobilization or adjustment of those segments, release of the surrounding muscles and a short program for the deep neck flexors typically reduces both the frequency and intensity over a course of care. We also look at screen height, pillow and sleeping position, since those are usually what rebuilds the stiffness.
Low back pain and sciatica
For mechanical low back pain the aim is to restore movement at the stiff segments and the hips, settle the muscle guarding and then build strength so the back tolerates sitting, lifting and sport. When pain travels into the leg we assess carefully to find the source, use decompression or nerve gliding where a disc or nerve is involved, and coordinate with our physiotherapist. Red flags are screened at every visit.
Mid back, ribs and posture
Stiffness between the shoulder blades, rib pain with breathing and the rounded posture that comes from long hours at a desk respond well to thoracic mobilization and adjustment, combined with extension exercises and a few workstation changes that take minutes to make.
Questions patients ask
Chiropractic care FAQ
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a chiropractor?
No referral is required. You can book directly with our chiropractic team, though some insurance plans may request one for reimbursement, so check with your provider if unsure.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition, its severity, and your goals. Some patients find relief in a few sessions during the corrective phase; others choose ongoing maintenance care afterward, always by choice.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Often, yes. Many extended health plans include chiropractic services, and we offer direct billing to most major providers where available.
Do you direct bill WSIB and motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims?
Yes. We bill directly for approved WSIB workplace injury claims and MVA claims where applicable.
What’s the difference between chiropractic care and physiotherapy?
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal and joint adjustment to restore alignment and nervous system function. Physiotherapy focuses more on movement-based rehabilitation and exercise. Many patients benefit from combining both.
Do you offer chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Yes. Adjustments can be modified to be safe and comfortable throughout pregnancy, easing back and pelvic strain as your body changes. Let your chiropractor know at booking.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement of your back, neck, or the area being treated works best.
What conditions does chiropractic care treat?
Back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint stiffness, posture-related strain, and pain following a workplace injury, car accident, or sports injury.
From the blog
Guides about chiropractic care from Physio Cottage
Book your chiropractic assessment
Drug-free, evidence-based chiropractic care, direct billing, and appointments that fit your schedule, right at Victoria Park & Ellesmere.
Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm · Saturday 9am to 5pm · Sunday closed
2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, Scarborough, ON M1R 1V8